Old Lahaina Lu‘au to host party for Moku‘ula

May 26, 2011

Moku‘ula, a royal Hawaiian sanctuary covering several acres, has lain almost undisturbed under a county park on the corner of Front and Shaw streets in Lahaina for nearly a century.
Now, the Friends of Moku‘ula nonprofit group will benefit from a feast to be held at the Old Lahaina Lu‘au on Saturday, June 4.
The benefit will also honor the late Akoni Akana, founder and director emeritus of Friends of Moku‘ula. Come and support the noble cause and enjoy a night of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and cultural dances, with a special appearance by Maui kumu hula and recording artist Keali‘i Reichel.
Akana led the Friends of Moku‘ula in the early 1990s to restore Moku‘ula Island and Mokuhinia Pond, where Kamehameha III resided.
Under Akana’s leadership, the nonprofit supported an archaeological survey by Bishop Museum, which confirmed the presence of the pond and island and led to a federal grant.
This year, the group plans to break ground on Phase I construction that will include a learning center, a gathering hall with kitchen and restrooms, and a parking lot with indigenous plants.
“Without Akana’s vision, leadership and determination, Hawaii would not be on its way to unveiling this cultural treasure,” said Shirley Kaha‘i, executive director of Friends of Moku‘ula.
The menu will include pohole fern shoot salad as well as island crab salad and taro salad. Lomilomi salmon, ahi, poke, sweet potatoes, poi, local-style fried rice and stir-fried vegetables will accompany hot entrees such as pulehu steak, roast pork, laulau, mahi chef’s-style and chicken long rice. Desserts include fresh island fruit, brownies and more. An open bar will flow all evening.
Tickets are $100 per person and $700 for a table of eight. For reservations or more details, 667-1998 or email julie@oldlahainaluau.com.

Article Photos

The late Akoni Akana will be remembered at the benefit from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 4 at Old Lahaina Lu‘au.Friends of Moku‘ula photo